Learning Through Curiosity and Reflection - PYDS Learning Academy

 

MGS Reflection 

Students participated in an engaging Good School session that combined reading, discussion, and reflection. The session encouraged students to observe nature closely and understand how curiosity and patience can turn small discoveries into meaningful learning experiences. Students also shared different superstitions they had heard, which made the discussion lively and interactive. The session also included a thoughtful book review highlighting how small, consistent habits can lead to positive changes in life. A short quiz and an interesting story added to the excitement and kept everyone actively involved. Overall, the session inspired students to value curiosity, develop good habits, and maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.

"Sunday School" concept, emphasising curiosity and creativity without exams

My Good School Mar 8, 10:20 am, 1 hr 42 min

The discussion centred on the impact of exam-focused education systems, highlighting the stress and reduced instructional time they cause. Brinda and Jugjiv Singh shared experiences of residential school environments and the benefits of continuous assessment. The conversation shifted to the "Sunday School" concept, emphasizing curiosity and creativity without exams. They read a chapter from "The Treasure of the Spiders," discussing Gerald's interactions with Theodore, a biologist, and his fascination with trapdoor spiders. The session concluded with a quiz on reading habits and a presentation on "Atomic Habits," stressing the importance of small, consistent changes for building good habits. Manisha read a chapter in Hindi from Ruskin Bond’s The Whistling Schoolboy.

What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story from, “The Whistling Schoolboy”

Sunday School of 1st March 2026

To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of ambition and school life.

Key Takeaways

• Low Attendance Due to Exams: Final exams for classes 9 & 11 (home) and 10 & 12 (board) significantly reduced student attendance.

• Dual-Book Format: The session featured two books: a Japanese novel, What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story, “The Whistling Schoolboy” from Kabhi Kabhi School Masti Ka Adda Lagta Tha.

• Core Themes: The English novel explored ambition vs. responsibility through protagonist Ryo’s dream of opening an antique shop. The Hindi story used humour to highlight the fun, non-academic parts of school life, like plays and food.

• “Parallel Career” Concept: A key idea from the English novel, a “parallel career” (coined by Peter Drucker), was introduced as a way to pursue two complementary careers without one being secondary.

Topics

Context: Low Attendance & New Participant

• Low student attendance was attributed to ongoing final exams across many schools.

• Shailaja from Holi Sai International School (Chennai, IGCSE) joined for the first time to observe the session.

• Jugjiv Singh provided an overview of the program’s goal: using books to spark dialogues on life skills and socio-emotional learning.

English Book: What You’re Looking For in the Library

• Recap: The session began by reading student blog reflections to recap the story.

  • Plot: Ryo, stuck in a finance job, dreams of opening an antique shop.

  • Librarian’s Role: Ms Komachi gives Ryo a book on worms and a felted cat, prompting him to discover a cat-themed bookshop, “Cats Now Books.”

• Reading & Discussion:

  • Ryo’s Work Stress: Ryo is burdened by his boss’s lack of software skills and an unmotivated assistant.

  • Hina’s Family Pressure: Hina’s parents see Ryo as a “steady chap” and hint at marriage, creating pressure that conflicts with his dream of running an antique shop.

  • “Parallel Career” Concept: Ryo learns this term from Peter Drucker, defined as two complementary careers in which neither is secondary.

Hindi Book: Ekanki Swang - Natak

• Pre-Reading Quiz: A quiz on “fun school moments” served as a warm-up, with students identifying activities like sharing jokes and playing during free periods as key to enjoyment.

• Reading: The story, read by Manisha Khanna, used humour to describe the author’s experiences at boarding school.

  • Plays: Rehearsals were a fun escape from mandatory study.

  • Food: The author would intentionally finish last in races to stop at a tikki/samosa stall, highlighting the importance of food in school life.

  • Library: The library was a favourite place, made lively by the senior master, Mr Knight.

• Discussion: The story sparked a discussion on the importance of food in boarding schools, with participants sharing anecdotes about hunger and the quality of school meals.

Program Calendar & Logistics

• Manisha Khanna shared the March calendar to provide context for new participants.

• Weekly Schedule:

  • Sundays: Dual book readings (English & Hindi).

  • Saturdays: Professional learning for teachers and a masterclass for students.

  • Fridays: “Brewing Knowledge” meet-and-greets with published authors.

• Upcoming Event: A retreat is scheduled for April 10–14 at Mayoor School Jaipur.

Next Steps

• Students: Write and submit reflections on the stories.

• Manisha Khanna: Publish student reflections on the program blog.

The Power Of Reading

My Good School

To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of nature, friendship, and history.

Key Takeaways

• “My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell): Gerald’s plan to get food from shepherd Yanni during siesta backfires. Yanni, a deep sleeper, only wakes after Roger the dog’s barking accidentally sends a cat fleeing up a grapevine, making the trellis shake.

• “The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond): The story details Bond’s friendship with Umar at Bishop Cotton School, formed over shared experiences and a secret, satirical manuscript. Their Bond is tested by the 1947 Partition, which forces Umar to leave for Pakistan.

• Reading as Reflection: The session opened with a discussion on reading’s power to cultivate patience and reflection, citing Manisha’s blog on libraries and Brinda’s reference to Barbara Kingsolver on how reading shapes temperament.

• Next Week’s Special Session: Kartik Bajoria will lead a session on writing effective book reviews to help students share their reading and encourage others to read.

Topics

The Power of Reading

• The session began with a reading of Manisha’s blog post, “Championing Readers,” which reflected on students talking in the library rather than reading.

• The post questioned if reading has become a “leisure activity” and argued it requires patience, attention, and imagination.

• Brinda connected this to Barbara Kingsolver’s view that reading changes temperament and is a source of hope for humanity.

• Jugjiv Singh added that reading cultivates self-reflection, citing the example of Eichmann’s unthinking obedience during the Holocaust.

“My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell)

• Context: Brinda introduced the book about naturalist Gerald Durrell’s childhood on Corfu Island, Greece, providing background on his family and passion for animals.

• Plot: Gerald and his dog, Roger, are hungry after a swim. Gerald avoids Leonora’s house to escape her daughter’s health updates and Taki the fisherman’s siesta.

• The Plan: Gerald decides to visit the shepherd Yanni, a light sleeper who rests under a grapevine trellis. He instructs Roger to bark loudly to wake Yanni.

• The Outcome: The barking fails to wake Yanni. However, it startles a cat, which flees up the trellis, causing it to shake violently and finally waking the shepherd.

• Hospitality & Lore: Yanni offers Gerald food and wine. He then shares a local remedy: a scorpion steeped in olive oil to cure stings, and a cautionary tale about a shepherd who died from a scorpion bite in his ear.

“The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond)

• Context: Manisha Khanna read the story in Hindi, noting that it is autobiographical and provides a historical lens on the 1947 Partition.

• Friendship & Shared Experiences: Bond, a quiet boy, befriends Umar, another quiet student. Their Bond strengthens as they play hockey together (Bond as goalkeeper, Umar as fullback) and share a secret manuscript.

• The Manuscript: Bond writes a satirical manuscript about school life and teachers, with Umar as his first reader. It includes a poem mocking Mr Oliver.

• Discovery & Discipline: Housemaster Mr Fischer finds the manuscript under Bond’s mattress. Bond receives six cane strokes but becomes a temporary “hero” among his peers.

• The Partition’s Impact: Lord Mountbatten’s visit to Bishop Cotton School, where Bond’s father was an alumnus, is followed by the devastating 1947 Partition.

• Separation: The school announces that Muslim students must vacate the hostel and be escorted to the new border. Bond and Umar meet one last time in a tunnel, discussing their uncertain future before Umar leaves for Pakistan.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Submit reflections (write-ups, drawings, role-plays) on today’s stories for publication on the “Joy of Learning Diaries” website.

  • Prepare for next week’s session with Kartik Bajoria on writing book reviews.

• Students:

  • Keep notes on characters and vocabulary from “My Family and Other Animals” to aid recall.

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My Good School Sunday the 8th of Feb 2026

Jai Hind

I am really grateful for the opportunity to attend this session. It was not just a learning session but an experience that made me think deeply. The story discussed during the session was beautifully explained, and every part of it was simply connected to real life. The way the story moved from nature to human emotions made it very interesting and meaningful for me.

One part that I especially liked was how the speaker explained things using examples like jalapeños and grapes. Though they look similar, they are very different, and this comparison helped me understand how appearances can be misleading. This idea was closely connected to the story, in which observation, understanding, and the proper use of words play essential roles. It helped me realise how important it is to look beyond the surface.

All the essential words from the story were clearly discussed, which helped me understand their meanings in context rather than just memorising them. The story also taught me to be more sensitive towards nature, people and situations. It showed how small details can carry deep meaning and how learning can happen through curiosity and observation.

Overall, this session was very enriching and enjoyable. It helped me understand the story better and taught me life lessons in a gentle, practical way. I truly appreciated the effort put into making learning so interactive and thoughtful, and I would love to attend more such sessions in the future.

Aarinee Tripathi, Sunbeam School Mau

“Thank you for this feedback, Aarinee!”, Brinda Ghosh, coach and mentor at My Good School.

“It was quite refreshing being present at My Good School session this Sunday morning. Both the chapters from “My Family and Other Animals” & “What You’re Looking for in the Library” intrigued the listeners, and there were some fascinating responses from the audience. It was good to see both their excitement and the ability to reciprocate. More such Sundays awaited." Harshita Dalawat, host at My Good School.

GSA Calendar February 2026

 My Good School

February 1, 2026

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

February 8, 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

February 15, 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals 
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

February 22, 2026

The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria. We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals. 

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
The Professional Learning Program (PLP) with Sandeep Dutt, ‘Wanted BackBencher LastRanker Teacher’ by Kavita Ghosh, starts on January 31, 2026, with screen sharing. Each first Saturday is for reading a chapter, which is completed by the second Saturday. Then, we discuss experiences and draft reflections, with Neelashi helping create posts for The Teachers Academy blog. By month’s end, all blogs should be published. Attendance is based on blog submissions. 11 blogs earn a Certificate of Appreciation.

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 
Read And Lead at 5:30 PM: Co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt, for subscribers only. We are reading The Courage To Be Happy. Sign up at sdutt.me.

GSA Meetings and Events

GSA Squad 

We review programs and plan for the coming week at 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

My Good School Retreat 

April 13th -17th, 2026, at Arthur Foot Academy

Find out more at www.inYouth.in

Fridays @ EBD

We meet to cherish Literature, Art and Culture #BrewingKnowledge 

Read with Neelashi Mangal 
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal, entry by invitation from The English Book Depot. We are currently reading: What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning.

Neha Negi, author of When Birds Talked
5:30 PM on Zoom on February 13, 2026
Continuing with: Folklore of the Hills | Illustrated Himalayan Folk Tales of Birds & Nature | Uttarakhand Legends Filled With Myth, Magic & Transformation

Amardeep Singh Lost Heritage
5:30 PM on Zoom on February 20, 2026
‘Lost Heritage Productions’ is a Singapore-based visual media production house, led by a Singapore-based couple, Amardeep Singh and Vininder Kaur. It focuses on researching and documenting forgotten legacies. Find out more at: https://lostheritage.info/about/

My Good School 25th January 2026

My Good School began with administrative discussions about attendance and exam preparation, followed by a literary analysis of a passage that describes characters and settings in a story. Book reading: My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell and दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ with Manisha Khanna. The group explored themes of haunting and memorable experiences through various characters, including discussions about pantomime and cultural performances. Part one of the session concluded with a reading and reflection, during which students shared personal experiences and discussed the importance of reading and education, particularly in rural areas.

Memories, Stories, and Learning - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today, I attended a session of my Good School, and it was a pleasant and meaningful experience. Manisha ma’am read a beautiful story by Ruskin Bond about a station 🚉, which felt simple yet very touching.

She asked us thoughtful questions about remembering places and how some places create memories that stay with us forever 💭💗. We also had a small discussion about stamps 📨, through which I learned that even small things can hold stories and value.

The session was very nice and informative, and Manisha ma’am shared many good thoughts. Overall, I really enjoyed the session and learned something meaningful from it 🌼.

Ishika Singh, Class IX

In today’s session, firstly Mrs. Brinda Gosh ma’am read Chapter 2 of the story “My Family and the Other Animals”. It was such an interesting story, and ma’am also asked some questions related to the chapter.

This session was so amazing and knowledgeable, and we also learned many new things ✨.

In the next session, Mrs Manisha Khanna ma’am read the story about a station 🚉 from the Ruskin Bond book. After finishing the adventure chapter, we discussed some questions about reading with Mr. Jugiv Singh, sir and Mrs Manisha Khanna, ma’am. They gave us some tips on the topic.

Thank you ☺️

Talat Bano

GSA Calendar January 2026

 My Good School

January 4th 2026

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

11^th January 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

18th  January 2026

We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals. 

The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

25^th January 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals

Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
Early Childhood Development training sessions for teachers at 3:00 PM every Saturday - Hosted by Brinda Ghosh and Neelashi Mangal. You may join the cohort from The Teachers Academy website www.DilJeeto.com

Saturday Masterclass 
Read And Lead at 5:30 PM: Co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt, for subscribers only. We are reading The Courage To Be Disliked. Sign up on The Teachers Academy website at www.DilJeeto.com.

GSA Meetings and Events

GSA Squad

We review programs and plan for the coming week.

At 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

Brewing Knowledge Friday
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal, entry by invitation from The English Book Depot. We are currently reading: What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning.

Meet and Greet 
5:30 PM on Zoom on January 9th 2026
With Neha Negi, author of When Birds Talked

Folklore of the Hills | Illustrated Himalayan Folk Tales of Birds & Nature | Uttarakhand Legends Filled With Myth, Magic & Transformation

#BrewingKnowledge Hosted by The English Book Depot

Governing Council Meeting

The meeting will be held at PYDS Learning Academy, with hospitality provided by the Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun, on January 19 and 20, 2026. 

Sunbeam Ballia and Arthur Foot Academy Exchange
Three girls and one teacher from Sunbeam School, Ballia, will visit the Arthur Foot Academy from January 19th to 23rd, 2026. They are volunteers for the Jaabaaz Kishori Project of the Learning Forward India Foundation.

AFA Monthly Review 

Zoom Meeting for Arthur Foot Academy Special Projects Review: 4th Friday of Every Month

Good Schools of India

Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly? Don't miss valuable insights—published every Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning. Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

Open to All

Follow the Brewing Knowledge WhatsApp Group. If you wish to join, please send a request by WhatsApp to Vikram Kumar at +91 97331 97341 or email vk@ebd.in

My Good School, Sunday the 6th July 2025

Weekly "My Good School" session focused on reading, reflection, and personal growth for students.

Key Takeaways

1. Discussed the importance of resilience and a positive mindset when facing challenges, using Steve Jobs' life story as an example
2. Explored the value of reflection vs. note-taking for deeper learning and personal growth
3. Introduced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
4. Emphasised the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence and leadership skills

Topics

Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"

• Continued reading Chapter 5, focusing on characters Carl and Schascha
• Explored themes of friendship, misunderstandings, and helping others overcome challenges
• Discussed how Carl and Mrs Longstocking devised a plan to help Hercules learn to read

Personal Growth and Resilience

• Examined Steve Jobs' life story as an example of overcoming setbacks and persevering
• Discussed the concept of "blessing in disguise" - how apparent setbacks can lead to positive outcomes
• Encouraged students to develop a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning

Reflection vs. Note-taking

• Explained the difference between taking notes (recording information) and reflection (processing and applying information)
• Encouraged students to practice reflection to deepen their understanding and personal growth
• Introduced the Joy of Learning Diaries as a platform for sharing reflections

Internship Program

• Announced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
• Explained the program structure: weekly meetings, hands-on projects, exposure to business operations
• Discussed fees and scholarship options for eligible schools

Additional Learning Opportunities

• Introduced "Brewing Knowledge" Friday evening book reading sessions
• Highlighted the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence

Next Steps

• Students are encouraged to write reflections on the session and share them on the Joy of Learning Diaries.
• Interested students should explore the internship application process on schooleducation.com
• Participants are invited to join Friday evening "Brewing Knowledge" sessions for additional reading practice.
• Next week's session will follow a similar format, combining reading and reflection. 

My Visit to Ahmedabad: A Memorable Experience at the Sort My College Summit

On June 21st, I took a train to Ahmedabad, often referred to as the Manchester of India. I was heading there to attend the Sort My College  (SMC) Summit, one of the leading youth festivals that brings together young minds for discussions and brainstorming. The summit is hosted by my friend Daksh Kala, the founder of Sort My College.

I arrived in the city early in the morning during a refreshing downpour—the raindrops felt like a warm welcome from Ahmedabad itself. After reaching, I went to meet my sister at Gujarat University. She tied a rakhi on my wrist, which I believe would help me perform better at the event. We enjoyed breakfast together before heading to the venue.

The conference featured an exciting lineup of speakers and performers. We heard inspiring talks by RJ Krutarth, Rishabh Jain, Anand Kumar, and Arjun Vaidya. To lighten the mood after all the serious discussions, there was a fun stand-up comedy act by Shlok, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

On the sidelines of the event, I also had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. We shared ideas, discussed our work, and I spoke about the Good Schools Alliance, trying to spread the word about our mission.

I want to extend my gratitude to Mr. Dutt for this wonderful opportunity. I’m thankful for the chance to learn, connect, and grow through this experience.

- Kunal Rajpurohit, Fellow and Analyst at the Learning Forward India Foundation

Reflections Sunday the 29th September 2024

Jugjiv Sir, Sandeep Sir  and participants discussed the third anniversary of "My Good School" on October 1st, 2024, and the upcoming calendar. They welcomed Jhamku Devi Secondary School from Abohar, Punjab. 

The calendar for October was shared an includes key dates like the GSI India journal publication and the "Two Girls, One Mic" episode. 

They read from the book "My Name is Cinnamon," discussing themes of cheating and the importance of honesty. 

They read from The Hidden Life Of Trees and  explored the impact of weather on trees, including frost, lightning, and wind, emphasizing the importance of natural growth and community support for tree health. The session concluded with a reflection on the importance of honesty and the impact of natural disasters on trees.

Reflections for the week 

-My Name Is Cinnamon- 

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What was discussed in the chapter today?

3. What are boundaries? How can you maintain them?

4. Experiences while giving an exam

5. Would a help a person who is seeking the answer to a question? 

6. What makes monsoon winds move?

7. How is the weather in Pune?

8. How is weather determined?

9. What is Ratnagari famous for?

10. A journey by train

11. Would you prefer travelling by train or by air? 

12. On what percentage are India's train electrified?

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 

1. What are clusters?

2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?

3. What happens when thicker coat is formed on leaves?

4. What role do trunks play?

5. How do trees survive?

6. How do trees change shape and direction and why? 

7. What is "hoar frost"? 

8. When do the trees look like they've been sprinkled with sugar?

9. What do the scars represent? 

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! You can email your reflections at - mk@learningforward.org.in

Rishona Chopra

School Captain

—-

Here are some strategies schools could use to encourage students to reflect more on their learning experiences after sessions:

1. Provide structured reflection templates or prompts: Give students a framework to guide their reflections, such as questions about key takeaways, challenges faced, or new perspectives gained.

2. Allocate dedicated reflection time: Set aside time after each session for students to individually or collectively reflect on their learning. This signals the importance of the reflection process.

3. Encourage peer-to-peer sharing: Allow students to share their reflections with classmates, either in small groups or as a whole class. This can spark deeper discussions and insights.

4. Incorporate reflection into assessments: Make reflective writing a part of the assessment process, such as including a reflection component in assignments or projects.

5. Recognize and celebrate reflective thinking: Acknowledge and appreciate students who demonstrate thoughtful reflection, either through verbal praise or by showcasing their reflections.

6. Model effective reflection: Teachers can demonstrate their own reflective practices, sharing how they learn and grow from their experiences.

7. Provide feedback on reflections: Offer constructive feedback on students' reflections, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement.

The key is to make reflection an integral and valued part of the learning process, rather than an afterthought. By fostering a culture of reflective thinking, schools can help students develop essential skills for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Courtesy Otter AI.